3D Printing

If you're looking for an excuse to buy a 3D printer, how about the ability to print your own RoboCop? 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has revealed that its tech was used to produce RoboCop's suit in the new movie. The Objet Connex 3D was used to create both the master mold pattern and final parts. Read More

Back in 2012, Boston-based Formlabs managed to attract almost US$3 million in crowdfunding for the launch of its original Form 1 SLA (stereolithographic) 3D printer, which shipped in May of the following year. Though it may look somewhat similar to its handsome predecessor, the company says that it has completely overhauled the design for its new Form 1+ high resolution desktop model, re-engineering mechanical components for improved reliability and offering users faster printing at higher quality. Read More

Arup says it has developed a 3D printing technique for creating structural steel elements to be used in construction. Although laser sintering has been used elsewhere, Arup believes this is the first time it has been used for this purpose. The technique could reduce energy usage, costs and waste. Read More

The first ever 3D Printed Car Design Challenge has been run and won with Strati, a design by Michele Anoé of Italy, chosen from a field of over 200 entries submitted by contestants from more than 30 countries. As well as winning a $5000 cash prize for his efforts from the organizers, Local Motors, Michele's concept will provide the most influence for a full-size 3D prototype to be printed at the International Manufacturing Technology Show this September in Chicago, Illinois. Read More

Last year, the folks over at CreoPop started working on a 3D drawing pen that always kept its cool. Instead of heating of ABS or PLA plastic filaments like the 3Doodler from WobbleWorks, the CreoPop uses light-sensitive inks that solidify when exposed to UV light, so sketchers young or old don't need to worry about having to steer clear of the piping hot creative end. Now the company is preparing to go into production. Read More

If you don't want to spend a whole heap of cash on a 3D printer, the OneUp looks like a pretty sweet deal. But, will it look anyway near as good on your desk as the similarly budget-friendly MOD-t from New Matter? This Wi-Fi-enabled device boasts some novel tech designed to produce quality 3D-printed objects at an affordable price, while also tapping into an online shopping and sharing portal for MOD-t-optimized models. Read More

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is set for an upgrade with the company announcing the successful qualification testing of its SuperDraco rocket engine. Designed to replace the Draco engines used for attitude control on the Dragon orbital spacecraft, the SuperDraco will act as the Dragon’s launch emergency escape system, as well as giving it the ability to make a powered landing on Earth and other worlds. Read More

By now we're all quite used to seeing blended fruit juices such as banana-strawberry or apple-lime, but what about solid three-dimensional hybrid fruits that are made to order? Well, that's just what Cambridge, UK-based design company Dovetailed is promising, with its 3D fruit printer. Read More

Over 1,400 backers committed over $400,000 to the crowdfunding campaign for the $199 QU-BD 3D print. The Little Rock, Arkansas-based company has been scrambling to fulfill all those orders ever since, but have managed to also bring forth a few new versions of their 3D printer kit and also prepare to start taking new orders. Read More

UK-based mobile phone company OwnFone has launched what it says is the world’s first commercially-available braille mobile phone. The OwnFone is a simple, light and low-cost device that can be set up with braille quick-dial buttons. It is customized by the user before being 3D-printed by OwnFone. Read More